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Philadelphia House Delegation reacts to SEPTA Board approval of budget

Philadelphia House Delegation

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Burgos applauds PECO grant announcement for customers to pay off overdue utility bills

(Jul 31, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

Beginning Aug. 4, PECO customers will be able to apply for assistance through the temporary PECO Customer Relief Fund. Read more

 

Rabb proposes nonpartisan investments in local journalism, civic information

(Jul 28, 2025) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Legislation establishing consortium, fellowship to strengthen community news Read more

 

A plan to help SEPTA emerges from the GOP state Senate, with no funding attached

(Jul 28, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

“Our systems are meeting the moment and addressing every single concern that Republicans are bringing up. The one thing that I need them to shift on is actually funding the actual system like it should be funded,” (Cephas) said. Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jul 22, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Broadband Development Authority: Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program Who May Apply: Cooperative organizations, non-profit organizations, public-private partnerships, private companies, public or private utility companies, public utility districts, municipalities or units of local government, internet service providers registered through the FCC Use: Deploying and/or upgrading broadband network facilities, data collection, broadband mapping and broadband planning Funds: Pennsylvania received $1,161,778,242 in federal funding pursuant to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. This is the second round of BEAD funding. There is no minimum or maximum grant amount for any project Application Deadline: August 1, 2025 More information: PBDA Website Historical & Museum Commission: Cultural and Historical Support Grants Who May Apply: Museums located in Pennsylvania with annual operating budgets exceeding $100,000 and at least one full-time professional staff person or an official county historical society. Use: To strengthen Pennsylvania’s museums and allow applicants to determine how to use funds for operating expenses Funds: Grant awards range from $2,500 to $65,000 Application Deadline: August 22, 2025 More information: PHMC Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) Sequential Intercept Model Training Initiative (SIM) Read more

 

Seniors aren’t ‘getting any younger.’ So why do their SEPTA fare cards expire?

(Jul 21, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

The SEPTA senior fare cards have a shelf life from the manufacturer, SEPTA says. Read more

 

Small Business Funding and Support Opportunities in Philadelphia

(Jul 18, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

Small Business Funding and Support Opportunities in Philadelphia Below is an overview of several programs offered by the Department of Commerce to support small businesses in Philadelphia. The Mayor’s Business Action Team within the Department of Commerce offers personalized guidance for any business in Philadelphia who wants to be connected to resources and programs. The Mayor’s Business Action Team can be contacted by emailing business@phila.gov or calling (215) 683-2100. The Mayor’s Business Action Team also provides personalized assistance in multiple languages to entrepreneurs for all aspects of doing business in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Small Business Catalyst Fund is a recent $5 million investment designed to accelerate the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs across the city. Support includes funding and strategic guidance. Grants of up to $50,000 per business are awarded based on demonstrated need, growth potential, and economic impact. Eligibility: Businesses that generated no more than $2 million in revenue in 2024 Business must be located in Philadelphia and registered and licensed with the City of Philadelphia Business must be up to date on City taxes or have an approved tax payment agreement with the City Business must be able to accelerate business goals with targeted funding and support Must show strong growth potential Read more

 

Kenyatta:  Senate must move budget, critical bills to keep PA afloat

(Jul 15, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta released a statement regarding House passage of a General Appropriations bill as part of the state budget: “While this isn’t the complete budget – we still must approve fiscal legislation for the funding of our public schools – this portion of the budget bill shows my commitment to my constituents and the great people throughout Pennsylvania. “Now it’s the Senate’s turn to not only move this bill but other budget bills, including funding for mass transit. Even though I have voted for SEPTA funding, the bill languishes in the state Senate. We have tried to compromise, especially with the latest transit funding bill that passed the House, which could provide funding for public transit agencies and maintain our vast network of roads and bridges, all without raising taxes. “Sadly, the inaction of the state Senate has caused turmoil and uncertainty for SEPTA and Philadelphians. We are now officially two weeks behind the July 1 deadline for our state budget, and both they and schools throughout Pennsylvania are in the difficult position of making unpopular decisions to keep running. “My colleagues and I in the Pennsylvania House did our part as mandated by the constitution. It’s not perfect, but it’s progress. I will continue to fight for my constituents to ensure their voices are heard. This will require the state Senate to come back to work and do the job they were elected to do Read more

 

PA House approves Cephas bill to protect older homeowners

(Jul 15, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

Today, the PA House of Representatives passed legislation sponsored by state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., to protect homeowners from unknowingly losing their home and generational wealth. Senior citizens and other homeowners on a fixed income often refinance their home utilizing a reverse mortgage based on the benefit of an immediate financial gain without fully understanding the long-term outcome of the agreement. House Bill 1466 would ensure that anyone entering this type of transaction receives face-to-face financial counseling to make homeowners aware of the risks associated with a reverse mortgage. Read more

 

House passes Bellmon bill incentivizing fire sprinkler systems in Philadelphia high-rises

(Jul 08, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, July 8 - Today, the Pennsylvania House passed legislation ( H.B. 1668 ) introduced by state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., which would permit Philadelphia to establish a property tax abatement program for the retrofitting of fire sprinkler systems in residential high-rises. All residential high-rise buildings in Philadelphia built after 1991 must have fire sprinkler systems, and all commercial buildings must be retrofitted with sprinkler systems. However, this requirement does not exist for residential high-rise buildings that were built before 1991. “When there's a fire, sprinkler systems can save lives and protect property. Unfortunately, older residential high-rise buildings in Philadelphia aren't required to have these systems, putting thousands of residents at risk,” Bellmon said. “The safety of a building and its residents shouldn’t be determined by the year it was built, and for that reason, I am glad to see my bill pass the House.” It is estimated that over 26,000 Philadelphians live in residential buildings greater than six-stories high that are not equipped with fire sprinkler systems. The program would allow the city to establish the timelines and define which residential high-rise structures within the city are eligible for the abatement. House Bill 1668 now heads to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jul 08, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Transportation: Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Who May Apply: Local governments, regional transportation authorities, transit agencies, natural resource or public land agencies, school districts, tribal governments or nonprofits with a separate eligible applicant. Use: To construct pedestrian and bicycle facilities, improve access to public transportation, create safe routes to school, incorporate community improvements such as historic preservation and vegetation management, provide environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity, create trail projects that serve a transportation purpose, and provide for vulnerable road user safety assessment program projects. Funds: $80 million in funding is available through the Federal Highway Administration’s Surface Block Grant Program. Awards will be at least $50,000 and at maximum $1.5 million. This is a reimbursement program and no funds are provided upfront. Application Deadline: Webinar will be held July 9, 2025. Application period opens July 14, 2025. Draft applications due September 5, 2025. Final applications due October 31, 2025 More information: PennDOT Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial Read more

 

Burgos shares newly launched consumer protection tools

(Jul 02, 2025) Rep. Danilo Burgos

HARRISBURG, July 2 – State Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., shared some new consumer protection tools launched by the Shapiro administration to help Pennsylvanians report scams and predatory practices. Burgos is chairman of the PA House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee. Among consumer issues, the committee oversees the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and reviews bills related to consumer privacy, utilities, broadband and more. “The federal government continues to erode essential consumer protections and privacy. In Pennsylvania, we’re prioritizing policies that defend consumers, not weaken their safeguards,” said Burgos. “Our state has some of the strongest consumer protection laws in the country, and whether you’re dealing with a denied claim or problems with a bank or mortgage lender, we’re here to help.” Pennsylvanians can now call 1-866-PACOMPLAINT (1-866-722-6675) , visit pa.gov/consumer , or email consumer@pa.gov to report financial, insurance, and consumer concerns. Whether it’s a denied health insurance claim, a suspicious financial transaction, or a problem with a student loan servicer, help is now just a call or click away. The new tools offer a “no wrong door” approach, meaning no matter the issue -- insurance lending, utilities, or financial scams -- Pennsylvanians will be routed to the right agency for Read more

 

House passes Rabb bill to end secret votes that may hike consumers’ electric bills

(Jul 01, 2025) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Legislation requiring utility companies who are members of power grid operator PJM to disclose all recorded votes advances to Senate Read more

 

Rabb: Deterrence and prevention can co-exist when protecting public sector workers

(Jul 01, 2025) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

“In a time of increased political violence, for those workers employed by our government in any capacity, we must invest in all reasonable measures to ensure workplace safety.” Read more

 

Fighting federal abusers, Protecting Pennsylvanians Act introduced

(Jun 30, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

“This act will increase our effort to protect Pennsylvania taxpayers from the haphazard actions and unlawful abuses at the federal level,” said Cephas, who represents portions of Philadelphia. “We can’t let Washington promise to fund and invest in health care, services and Pennsylvania businesses, only to have contracts canceled because of a change in administration and the extremist actions inside the D.C. Beltway.” Read more

 

Philadelphia’s Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy, the last living WWII Tuskegee Airman, honored in Harrisburg

(Jun 27, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 27 - On Wednesday, June 25, the office of State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, along with the offices of PA House Speaker Joanna McClinton, State Reps. Jordan Harris and Napoleon Nelson honored Lt. Col. George Hardy, the last living Tuskegee Airman of World War II. Hardy was born in Philadelphia and attended Walter George Smith School and South Philadelphia High School . He completed his pilot training at the Tuskegee Institute, earning his wings in September 1944. While stationed in Italy between February and September of 1945, Hardy flew 21 high-altitude combat missions escorting bombers over Germany. Hardy was also deployed during the Korean and Vietnam wars, completing 45 flight missions in Korea and 70 in Vietnam. On Wednesday, Hardy’s descendants, including grandchildren Jessamyn and Julian Bryce, niece Lee Hardy Trotter, and grandnephew Jospeh Trotter, were recognized on the PA House floor by McClinton. The family was given a tour of the state Capitol and met with lawmakers, including Fiedler, Nelson, Harris, State Sens. Nikil Saval and Anthony Williams, and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis. Hardy, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, currently resides in Florida. He was not able to make the trip but watched the livestream from his home. The PA General Assembly also recently passed a resolution designating June 8, 2025, as “Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy Day” in Read more

 

Venkat, Khan, Kosierowski to introduce legislation that would mandate insurance coverage for FDA-approved, medically recommended vaccines

(Jun 27, 2025) Rep. Tarik Khan

HARRISBURG, June 27 – In the wake of major changes to a federal vaccine advisory panel that could threaten Pennsylvanians’ access to life-saving immunizations, state Reps. Arvind Venkat, Bridget Kosierowski and Tarik Khan, all health professionals, are preparing to introduce legislation that would require private insurers and Medicaid to cover FDA-approved vaccines that have been recommended by certain medical organizations. Venkat said the legislation is needed to ensure that critical immunization protections remain available to Pennsylvanians. “As a physician, I know that vaccines are among the most powerful tools we have in our arsenal for preventing disease. The administration of scheduled childhood vaccines and recommended vaccines to adults has protected all Pennsylvanians for decades,” said Venkat. “Unfortunately, recent developments at the federal level – including the firing of all members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and their replacement with at least several known anti-vaccine activists – is a warning sign. “If ACIP fails to continue recommending certain FDA-approved vaccines, insurers will no longer have to cover them, and critical immunizations that protect children and vulnerable Pennsylvanians from deadly diseases would disappear. Beyond the human toll, long-term health care Read more

 

Combined reporting bill to truly close corporate tax loopholes passes for first time in Pa. House

(Jun 27, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 27 – Legislation to close the “ Delaware loophole ” and institute combined reporting was approved by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Wednesday. HB1610 was introduced by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler , D-Phila., and Rep. Mary Jo Daley , D-Montgomery. This is the first time the House has passed a bill that would truly close the loophole in state law. In Pennsylvania, it is perfectly legal for highly profitable, multi-state corporations to shield their profits in states like Delaware, that have low or no corporate net income taxes. Combined reporting simply closes that loophole by requiring companies making profits in Pennsylvania, report to Pennsylvania. "When 73% of the corporations active in this state pay no corporate taxes at all — and working people struggle to afford the basics — that's not fairness, that's exploitation,” Fiedler said. “It’s ridiculous, puts small businesses at a disadvantage, and leaves our public services without adequate funding. We can generate millions by closing this loophole alone." Thanks in part to corporate tax loopholes, Pennsylvania has one of the most regressive tax structures in the nation. When multi-state corporations pay less than their fair share, a greater tax burden is placed on Pennsylvania-based companies, small businesses, and individual taxpayers. “Just like every hard-working Pennsylvanian has to Read more

 

Cephas bill to cut mortgage interest rates heads to governor’s desk

(Jun 26, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

Today, the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously approved legislation sponsored by state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., that would permit mortgage lenders to offer discount points to borrowers to lower their interest rate and monthly payments. House Bill 1103 now awaits the signature of Gov. Josh Shapiro for it to be enacted into law. Read more

 

Parker bill to get period products to people in need passes House

(Jun 26, 2025) Rep. Darisha Parker

“I continue to fight vigorously for menstrual equity for women and girls in Pennsylvania because equity for this basic necessity in life does not currently exist,” Parker said. “More than half of the world’s population are menstruating individuals, and they should not have to miss work, school or other life events, or put their personal health in jeopardy, due to not having access to essential, clean and sanitary period products. These products are readily available in grocery and convenience stores because they are considered essential necessities, along with food. With this legislation, we are sending a clear signal to the federal government that Pennsylvania government has put a priority on ending period poverty for our residents and that they should respond in kind." Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation reacts to SEPTA Board approval of budget

(Jun 26, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

“Properly funding SEPTA is an investment in all communities across PA. Our regional economy is a main driver for statewide prosperity. What benefits Philadelphia, benefits all of Pennsylvania, and SEPTA is a crucial key to our success. The cost of allowing mass transit to wither will be seen in additional traffic and longer commutes on already over-burdened roads and bridges; a weakened economy across the state, not just in Philly; environmental impacts from more cars on the road; and a less competitive job market for our region." Read more

 

Burgos applauds PECO grant announcement for customers to pay off overdue utility bills
Jul 31, 2025

Rabb proposes nonpartisan investments in local journalism, civic information
Jul 28, 2025

A plan to help SEPTA emerges from the GOP state Senate, with no funding attached
Jul 28, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jul 22, 2025

Seniors aren’t ‘getting any younger.’ So why do their SEPTA fare cards expire?
Jul 21, 2025

Small Business Funding and Support Opportunities in Philadelphia
Jul 18, 2025

Kenyatta:  Senate must move budget, critical bills to keep PA afloat
Jul 15, 2025

PA House approves Cephas bill to protect older homeowners
Jul 15, 2025

House passes Bellmon bill incentivizing fire sprinkler systems in Philadelphia high-rises
Jul 08, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jul 08, 2025

Burgos shares newly launched consumer protection tools
Jul 02, 2025

House passes Rabb bill to end secret votes that may hike consumers’ electric bills
Jul 01, 2025

Rabb: Deterrence and prevention can co-exist when protecting public sector workers
Jul 01, 2025

Fighting federal abusers, Protecting Pennsylvanians Act introduced
Jun 30, 2025

Philadelphia’s Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy, the last living WWII Tuskegee Airman, honored in Harrisburg
Jun 27, 2025

Venkat, Khan, Kosierowski to introduce legislation that would mandate insurance coverage for FDA-approved, medically recommended vaccines
Jun 27, 2025

Combined reporting bill to truly close corporate tax loopholes passes for first time in Pa. House
Jun 27, 2025

Cephas bill to cut mortgage interest rates heads to governor’s desk
Jun 26, 2025

Parker bill to get period products to people in need passes House
Jun 26, 2025

Philadelphia House Delegation reacts to SEPTA Board approval of budget
Jun 26, 2025